Eastern Black Carpenter Ant

These ants are primarily nocturnal, meaning they forage at night and often remain unseen during the day. Although they do not sting, they can bite with strong mandibles and spray formic acid, which may cause irritation. However, their biggest threat comes from structural damage. By excavating wood to build nests, they gradually weaken walls, beams, and even wooden furniture. In addition, they may enter homes in search of food, frequently appearing in kitchens and pantries. If left untreated, colonies can expand into multiple nesting sites, making infestations significantly harder to eliminate.

These ants are also opportunistic feeders. As a result, they forage for sugary foods, proteins, and moisture. They commonly feed on honeydew from aphids, plant nectar, and a wide range of household food sources, including sweets, meats, and greasy items. Because they follow invisible chemical trails to food, they often return to the same locations night after night. Furthermore, their foraging trails can extend up to 100 yards from the nest, which makes locating the true source of an infestation especially difficult.